This guide helps indoor players choose volleyball knee pads. Knee pads protect your knees when you dig, dive or slide on a hard indoor court, and most beginners should wear them. Size them by measuring around the middle of your knee, not by age, and choose thicker, longer pads if you play defense and spend a lot of time on the floor.
Last checked: October 2026 · Fit, use and care · How we choose and prices
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Our picks with Amazon links are informed by product specifications, Amazon ratings and Amazon’s summaries of customer reviews. How we choose
Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.
| Model | Best for | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mizuno LR6 | Hitters, setters, minimal bulk | All levels | Short, low-profile sleeve; runs small |
| Nike Streak | All-round team players | All levels | Paired sizes; runs small |
| Nike Dri-FIT Essential | Beginners and recreational players | Beginner | Thinner than Nike's other pads |
| ASICS Gel-Rally | Beginners and youth on a budget | Beginner | Only two sizes |
| McDavid HEX (6440) | Snug compression-sleeve style | All levels | Machine washable and dryable |
| Under Armour Armour 3 (and Armour 3 Long) | Defenders who want more coverage (Long) | All levels | Long version extends further down the shin |
Best for: hitters, setters and players who want minimal bulk.
What stands out
Watch out for: runs small, with less shin coverage.
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View on AmazonChoose your size on the listing and check its size chart before ordering.
Best for: all-round team players.
What stands out
Watch out for: paired sizes, and Nike pads run small.
Best for: beginners and recreational players.
What stands out
Watch out for: thinner than Nike's other pads.
Best for: beginners and youth on a budget.
What stands out
Watch out for: only two sizes, so the fit is less precise.
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View on AmazonSizes are paired (S/M, L/XL): check the size chart on the listing.
Best for: players who want a snug compression-sleeve style.
What stands out
Watch out for: a multi-sport sleeve, thinner than volleyball-specific thick pads.
Best for: defenders who want more coverage (Long).
What stands out
As you improve, you'll learn to go to the floor by rolling or sliding on your side, forearms and chest instead of dropping onto your kneecaps. Pads protect you while you learn; good technique protects you for good. See Digging.
To practice going to the floor safely, see How to Dive and Sprawl. Liberos and defenders: see Libero.
Video: Jiri Popelka | VolleyCountry on YouTube. Learn Volley is not affiliated with this channel.
We compare product specifications and, for products with an Amazon link, their Amazon rating and Amazon’s summary of customer reviews to help you choose equipment. We have not personally tested these products.
Last checked: October 2026. Models change every year or two, and older versions are often discounted and still good.
Price: knee pads are one of the cheaper pieces of volleyball gear. Every pick here is Budget, except the Under Armour Armour 3, which runs Budget to Mid-range. Actual prices vary a lot by country and retailer.
How we choose: we compare manufacturer specifications, sizing information and independent reviews, such as the review videos on this page. No brand pays to be listed, and commissions don't decide which products we pick or their order.
Indoors, yes for most players, especially beginners who are still learning to dig and dive. On the beach, players usually don't wear them, because sand is soft.
